What are the signs that a car needs an oil change?
3 Answers
When it's time to change the engine oil, the car's engine noise will increase. This is caused by the thinning of the engine oil. Additionally, the engine oil pressure warning light may illuminate, which is due to the low oil pressure resulting from the thinning of the engine oil. Below is some relevant information about car engine oil: 1. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91*10³ (kg/m³). It serves functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leakage prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. 2. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties. Additives are used to compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance, as well as to provide certain new properties, making them an essential part of the lubricant.
After driving for so many years, I've summarized several obvious signs that tell you it's time to change the engine oil. The primary indicator is increased engine noise, especially during startup or acceleration, sounding like a metallic hissing or a deep rumbling. This happens because the oil has become thin or dirty, leading to poor lubrication. Another sign is checking the dipstick: the oil appears black and sticky, unlike the clear golden color when fresh, and feels greasy and thick on your fingers. You might also notice awkward driving sensations, such as sluggish throttle response, lack of power during acceleration, or slight vibrations, particularly noticeable at high speeds. If the oil light on the dashboard flickers or the oil pressure warning appears, that's an even more direct alert. I always remind myself to check these signs regularly and not wait until smoke appears or fuel consumption spikes to fix it, otherwise, engine carbon buildup and damage can lead to costly repairs. Develop the habit of checking every three months or 5,000 kilometers, and your car will run smoothly and obediently.
As someone who often helps friends with car repairs, I've noticed several telltale signs indicating when an oil change is due. Firstly, abnormal engine noise: when idling or lightly pressing the accelerator, the sound becomes rougher than usual, resembling friction noise from insufficient lubrication, which is caused by aged lubricant. Secondly, visual changes in the oil: when pulling out the dipstick, if the oil appears thick black or contains particulate sediment, it indicates excessive impurity absorption and degraded performance. Additionally, deteriorating driving experience is another signal, such as unstable steering or slight vibrations, especially noticeable during turns. Increased fuel consumption serves as indirect evidence, as old oil creates more friction, potentially raising fuel consumption by around 10%. I recommend following the maintenance manual intervals, such as checking every six months. Simple maintenance can prevent major repair hassles, saving both money and peace of mind.
